Food addiction is a phrase that is becoming more prevalent among diet culture propaganda. The assumption that food addiction is comparable to drug addiction disregards the inherent relationship between restriction and feeling “out of control” with food. New research has found that many of these widely held beliefs surrounding food addiction are inaccurate and can be harmful.
Read More“Fear food” is the terminology used in eating disorder treatment to identify the foods that are avoided in meals or snacks due to fear. Fear foods can range from specific foods, i.e “butter,” to whole food groups, i.e ”fats.” The reason a food becomes a fear food is individualistically unique and can develop for many reasons. While fear foods often add to restrictive behavior, they can add to many other eating disorder behaviors, like excessive working out, bingeing, or purging. The ideation of fear foods spans across all forms of eating disorders.
Read MoreReturning to campus for a new semester can often cause an increase in food and body image struggles, especially for individuals with eating disorders. Approximately 10 to 20% of women and 4 to 10% of men in college suffer from an eating disorder, with rates continuously on the rise. Being a student in recovery comes with its own unique challenges and stressors — particularly when specialized counseling and nutrition services on campus may be limited.
Read MoreIn a culture that idolizes “fit” body types, praises self-control over diet and exercise, and glorifies perfectionism, these societal pressures can trigger many individuals to pursue eating disorder behaviors as a way to cope with these unrealistic expectations. Athletes have the added pressure of competing and meeting eligibility requirements for their respective athletics. For certain sports, part of the winning mentality includes maintaining a certain body type or staying within a certain weight range. These disordered standards can contribute to the development of an eating disorder.
Read MoreNational surveys estimate that 20 million women and 10 million men in America will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Despite the prevalence of eating disorders, countless myths and misconceptions surrounding these deadly conditions persist. Many of these myths contribute to the stigma and prejudice that individuals with eating disorders experience. These persistent misconceptions make it difficult for many individuals to seek and access the help necessary for recovery.
Read MoreWhile it’s no surprise that the majority of New Year’s resolutions are centered on weight loss and getting “in shape”, these diet culture-fueled intentions can be triggering for individuals who are struggling with an eating disorder or who are at risk of developing an eating disorder. For some, resolutions may conflict with current recovery goals or reinforce negative behaviors that they have been working to overcome. New Year’s resolutions are often difficult to sustain throughout the year and may actually be counterproductive to recovery.
Read MoreThe prospect of returning home after a stressful college semester is eagerly anticipated by many. For individuals struggling with an eating disorder, the adjustment from a college setting to a home environment can have an impact on eating disorder recovery. A variety of factors ranging from familial support, family dynamics, and treatment team accessibility can make or break a successful transition back home while in recovery.
Read MoreFor individuals who are struggling or have struggled with an eating disorder, the uncertainty surrounding infertility and the ability to carry a baby can be worrisome. Eating disorders, particularly those that are characterized by severe food restriction, involve behaviors that can disrupt normal hormonal and reproductive function. While fertility is dependent on many factors, malnutrition, overexercise, and chronic stress can be major contributors to reproductive health.
Read MoreGastrointestinal symptoms are nearly universal among individuals with eating disorders, and the prevalence of diagnosable digestive disorders is high in these populations. Comorbid digestive symptoms can render nutritional rehabilitation and eating disorder treatment incredibly challenging, and often requires multi-disciplinary care to optimize physical tolerance of an adequate, minimally-restricted diet.
Read MoreAs we approach the New Year, it is natural to start looking ahead and contemplating your goals, resolutions, and intentions for the upcoming year. While the New Year provides us with a clean slate and a newfound determination to improve ourselves in the months to come, so often New Year’s resolutions are fueled by diet culture and are centered on dieting and weight loss. Consequently, those in eating disorder recovery may encounter a number of challenges when setting New Year’s resolutions.
Read MoreFor many, the anticipation of opening gifts during the holiday season is a magical, joyful experience. For individuals recovering from an eating disorder, gift-giving can be especially triggering and anxiety-provoking. While this festive time of year is often stressful for individuals with eating disorders due to the focus on food, many may not realize that gifts — even those that are goodhearted — can be potentially harmful and may elicit negative emotions. Extra care and sensitivity go a long way when giving gifts to those in eating disorder recovery.
Read More
